Always ready to fulfill critical community needs, the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey (HFNJ) will help shape the future of pediatric behavioral health emergency care at Morristown Medical Center with a $500,000 grant toward the medical center’s Campaign for Building Excellence in Emergency Care.

“HFNJ is pleased to end our 2022 first quarter of funding by providing over $1.2 million for critical projects — with a significant grant that will support pediatric behavioral health in the Gagnon’s Children’s Emergency Department at Morristown Medical Center. The newly expanded and modernized space will truly make a difference in the lives of children facing behavioral health crises,” said Michael Schmidt, HFNJ’s Executive Director and CEO.

This most recent grant awarded to the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey will help relocate the 17-room Gagnon Children’s Emergency Department to a larger space on the first floor of Goryeb Children’s Hospital, giving pediatric patients a separate entrance away from the adult emergency department entrance. The number of rooms dedicated explicitly to pediatric behavioral health needs will double, providing the hospital an even greater opportunity to address urgent mental health issues in children.

Added features such as access to direct natural light, walls built with noise reduction materials, soothing paint colors and decor to reduce over-stimulation will assist the crisis team in treating pediatric patients during behavioral health crises.

Behavioral health issues, especially those in pediatric patients, experienced a troubling spike throughout the pandemic. Supporting children in crisis falls in line with HFNJ’s heartfelt mission to improve the health and well-being of our most vulnerable populations — a sentiment brought to life by HFNJ’s dedication to the Jewish principles of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and taking action in pursuit of tzedakah (justice and righteousness). Addressing gaps in health care delivery and supporting work that addresses unmet health care needs truly reflect HFNJ’s values at their best.

When children in crisis have a space designed specifically for their unique needs, medical and crisis intervention teams can deescalate situations more readily, leading to better patient outcomes. The modernization and expansion of the emergency department will help Morristown Medical Center to better cater to the unique needs of pediatric patients and enable the hospital to meet the growing demand within our communities.

Learn more about the Campaign for Building Excellence in Emergency Care and the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey.